Success in Plant-Based Eggs
- Current valuation of the plant-based food market stands at $16.55bn
- The plant-based egg market is projected to reach $834.5m by 2035
- Growth is primarily fueled by ethical concerns, health benefits, and environmental awareness
- Major corporations like Starbucks are embracing plant-based egg options
- Consumer familiarity and contextual factors significantly influence acceptance
The plant-based food and beverage industry is witnessing notable growth. Despite some concerns that growth might be slowing, the sector maintains a commendable CAGR of 10.7%—a growth rate that many industries would aspire to.
Moreover, the global plant-based food and beverage market is currently valued at $16.55bn (€14.30bn), underscoring its significance within the industry (Grand View Research).
“Rising concern about animal health and animal cruelty has been encouraging people to shift from animal-based to plant-based meals,” states a spokesperson for Grand View Research.
In addition, issues related to environmental sustainability, alongside the health advantages of a plant-based diet, are driving sales on a global scale.
Consequently, the demand for plant-based eggs is beginning to surge… Apologies for the pun!
“The plant-based eggs market will see enormous growth from 2025 to 2035 due to rising consumer demand for ethical and sustainable food,” explains a spokesperson for Future Market Insights.
Currently valued at $168.2m, the market is expected to grow to $834.5m by 2035, achieving an impressive CAGR of 17.4% (Future Market Insights).
Emerging Trends in Plant-Based Eggs
Plant-based eggs are increasingly favored as a high-protein alternative with lower cholesterol levels.
This shift isn’t limited to supermarket aisles; restaurants and fast-food chains are also incorporating plant-based egg products into their offerings.
Recently, the US-based brand JUST Egg partnered with Starbucks to provide plant-based egg sandwiches.
The popularity of this trend has prompted scientific inquiry into consumer behavior.
Researchers from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have investigated how various factors—like pricing, food type, and dining environment—influence consumer decision-making.
“We wanted to measure the consumer’s perception about plant-based eggs,” notes Da Eun Kim, a doctoral student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Rather than directly asking participants about their intent to purchase plant-based eggs, the research team prompted them to envision a breakfast scenario, either at home or in a restaurant, with a choice between scrambled eggs or pancakes made using plant-based eggs.
Consumer Preferences for Eggs
The findings, according to the research team, delivered surprising insights.
“We expected the setting to be more influential, as we thought the novelty of the plant-based egg product would lead consumers to favor it in a restaurant setting where chefs could properly prepare it,” explains Brenna Ellison, a professor at Purdue University. “Unexpectedly, the dining location—whether at home or a restaurant—had less impact than anticipated.”
Moreover, consumers expressed a higher likelihood of purchasing plant-based eggs when incorporated into familiar dishes, such as pancakes, rather than being served alone.
Participants were asked to compare plant-based eggs against traditional options. Unsurprisingly, traditional eggs were preferred for taste and appearance; however, plant-based eggs excelled in terms of environmental impact and animal welfare. This aligns with a broader trend within food science, as ethical considerations increasingly affect consumer decisions.
So, will every consumer opt for plant-based eggs?
“Probably not,” asserts Professor Ellison. “However, we found that those with prior experience trying plant-based eggs were more inclined to purchase them compared to those without such experience, suggesting a positive past interaction with the product.”
While familiarization with plant-based eggs is advantageous, it is equally important to present them within relatable contexts, such as pancakes.
“Introducing them as an ingredient, particularly in a well-known product, is an effective strategy to help consumers overcome potential ‘mental hurdles’ related to trying plant-based eggs,” explains Professor Ellison.
The Future of the Plant-Based Egg Market
As the plant-based food industry evolves, plant-based eggs are emerging as more than just a niche item; they are a representation of how ethical, sustainable, and health-oriented choices are reshaping consumer habits.
While real eggs continue to dominate breakfast menus, the growing acceptance of plant-based alternatives—especially when incorporated into familiar dishes—indicates a shift in consumer preferences regarding protein sources.
With significant players, researchers, and consumers rallying behind this trend, plant-based eggs could soon be a fixture in kitchens and menus around the globe.